FAQ Page

+ Is Bayshore a Boston Qualifier?

Yes! Our course was re-certified in 2015. It is a flat fast course and many people use it to try to qualify. The certification number for the Marathon is MI15020SH, Half Marathon MI15019SH, and 10K MI15018SH. More details are available here.

4.) Select the VIEW/EDIT Registration link under the Bayshore Registration.

5.) Here you can click the “Resend Confirmation E-Mail” link at the top of the registration tab. Your confirmation will be generated and emailed to your inbox within a few minutes.

6.) If you still aren’t receiving the confirmation email, confirm that the email address on your registration is correct or check your SPAM folder.

+ Do I get a finisher's medal?

A: Yes! ALL races will have finisher's medals for 2019. Check out the 10K, Half, and Marathon pages to check them out!

+ Do I get a shirt?

A: Yes! ALL participants will receive a tech gender-specific shirt.

+ Once I register for a race (Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K) can I switch to another race?

A: No. Our races fill quickly and we do not have room in the other distances. One of the things that makes the Bayshore so appealing to runners is our course. This is also one of the factors that limits our ability to add more runners. The race is run on two lane roads with runners going in both directions. We must limit our numbers in each race so that the Bayshore remains a positive experience for those who register.

+ How many runners participate?

A: Bayshore has enjoyed great growth in recent years, primarily due to word of mouth. For 2019, we will cap 10K entries at 2000. The 2019 Marathon will be capped at 1800 registered runners. The 2019 Half Marathon will be capped at 3500 registered runners. Last year the Half Marathon filled in less than an hour and the Marathon and 10K filled in in less than a month. A word of advice: Enter early!

+ If I can’t make it, can I transfer my bib to another person?

A: Yes, you can do this online for a $20 transfer fee by April 27th, 2019. Please follow the tutorial on RunSignUp for instructions on how to transfer your bib. Transfers are only good for the SAME distance. Transfers must be completed online by April 27th. No transfers will be allowed after this date.

+ I see the events sell out. Is there a waiting list?

A: Yes, as soon as an event sells out there will be an option to sign up for the waiting list. We will start selecting on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are selected to register you can only register for the event you are on the waiting list for. If you do not signup within the selection time period, you will lose your spot and the next person will be picked. Once you join the list you can check your position on the list at anytime by going to the registration site and clicking on the "join the wait list" link under the race you are waitlisted on.

+ How can I purchase Bayshore merchandise?

A: Click here to go directly to the Bayshore Gear Store provided by Playmakers to order all of your official Bayshore gear.

+ What is the course like?

A: Bayshore Marathon is a flat, out and back course that runs along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Throughout the race, you have the crystal blue waters of Lake Michigan on one side and Traverse City’s famous cherry trees and orchards on the other. The course begins on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College. On your return trip you return to the Start Line, and then step onto a track for the final quarter mile inside the stadium. The only ‘rise’ on the course falls between the 18 and 19 mile markers.The Half Marathon will start on Devils Dive Rd and go east to Seven Hills Rd. and continue south east to Center Rd. It will then go south to Blue Water Rd. then east to Bluff Rd. where it will join the Marathon course following Bluff, Center Rd. and East Shore Dr. back to Traverse City and the finish line. There will be an approximately 225 foot climb near the beginning of the race before dropping down to Bluff Rd. to join the Marathon course. The 10K course is just like the marathon course except that it turns around at 3 miles instead of 13 miles. Check out our Course Page.

+ What time does the finish line close?

A. The finish line will close at 1:15 PM. Anyone finishing after this time (6 hours for the Marathon) will not receive an official finish time. The finish area food and services will dismantled and not be available to any runner who finishes after 1:15 PM. Center Road reopens at 1:00 PM. Center Road is at mile 20 1/2 to 22 on the Marathon return.

+ What method of electronic timing is used for the Bayshore?

A: This year's Bayshore events will be timed with state of the art RFID timing using UHF tags that are attached to your race numbers. You don't need to know anything about the technology of how this system will capture your time from start line to finish line (If you do you can read about it at rftiming.com) but you will need to be sure you pin your race number on the FRONT of your shirt or singlet so that the system can read your tag, starting your time as you cross the actual starting line and stopping it as you cross the finish line.

+ What do you have for aid stations?

A: Aid stations are located at the following mile markers (from the marathon and 10K start): 1, 2, 3.6, 4.6, 6.7, 7.9, 9.5, 10.9, and 12.9. All aid stations will have water and Gatorade (lemon-lime. Aid stations 6.7 and 12.9 will have oranges. Aid stations 3.6 and 10.9 will have GU. More information on the Course Page.

+ How are the aid stations set up?

A: The first 75' at each aid station will offer Gatorade (Gu/Oranges if applicable), the second zone of approximately 100' will offer water, the final zone of approximately 75' will offer Gatorade (Gu/oranges if applicable). The layout is on the Course Page.

+ Do you have bag drops at the start?

A: Yes, bags will be available at packet pick up and near the start lines for Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K runners. Please make sure your bib number is printed on your bag (markers will be available). You can drop the bags at the designated area near the respective starts and they will be waiting for you near the finish line.

Please do not place any valuables in the bags. The Bayshore will not be responsible for lost or stolen items placed in the bags.

Any apparel dropped along the course (including at aid stations) will be donated to local charities or recycled. The only apparel we will keep after the event will be anything left in the bag drop area.

+ Do you have an Expo at packet pick up?

A: Yes we have the Bayshore Runner Expo presented by Playmakers. Be aware of the hours of the Expo and packet pick up at the High School Gyms, which is the school’s last day “Assembly" for Seniors, where they understandably linger. We begin setting up the Expo and packet pick up only after they have totally cleared out.

+ How can I order Bayshore merchandise?

A; To order Bayshore merchandise directly from the online Playmakers Bayshore store click here. Keep checking back often as new items will be added as they become available. Playmakers will also have some merchandise available at packet pick up.

+ Do you have pace groups at the Bayshore?

A: No. However, we do place pace signs near the Marathon start where runners with similar paces can meet before the start with the option of running together.

+ Can I wear headphones?

While not prohibited, the use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, The Traverse City State Bank Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the Bayshore. If you do decide to use headphones during the Bayshore, you do so at your own risk.

Consider this: The abuse of portable headphone devices can result in disqualification. Abuse refers to being so distracted that you become a hazard to your fellow participants, spectators, course marshals, finish line officials, medical personnel, other race officials, police personnel or vehicle traffic.

+ Where and when is packet pick up?

A: The Playmakers Runners Expo/Packet pick-up for the Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K will be held at the Traverse City Central High School Gym. Photo ID will be required to pick up your race packet. Hours will be on Friday night, May 25th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on race day from 5:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. If you are pre registered for the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K you can still pick up your packet on Saturday beginning at 5:00 a.m. For driving directions and map to packet pick up here.

+ Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

A: Yes, they will need a copy of your ID and a note from you authorizing them to pick up your packet. They will also need to know your bib number which will be available on our website runners list in mid May.

+ How many runners participate?

A: Bayshore has enjoyed great growth in recent years, primarily due to word of mouth. The 2019 participant caps are 2000 for the 10K, 3500 for the Half Marathon, and 1800 for the Full Marathon. Last year the Half Marathon filled in less than an hour and the Marathon and 10K filled in in less than a month. A word of advice: Enter early!

+ Do you allow walkers in the Bayshore?

A: Some people do walk in the Bayshore however we do not have a separate category for walkers in any of the Bayshore races. All times are listed by age group and gender only in the results. The finish line closes at 1:15 pm, anyone finishing after then will not receive an official time or finisher medal. If you are walking the Bayshore please keep in mind that you must stay to the right and walk no more than two abreast. Be mindful of runners from other races who are overtaking you.

+ What kind of spectator support can I expect?

A: Traverse City is a small town so we don’t make any claims to being a Chicago or Boston in terms of crowds. You can expect great support at key points along the course, and from citizens offering their own water, music, etc.

+ Can my friends and family meet me out on the course or ride along on a bike?

A: Friends and family CANNOT ride or run along with you. We need to limit all possible traffic on the course and ask you to provide your friends and family with the spectator maps available at registration. With Center Road being closed, spectators should refer to the map to determine where they will have access to the course. Course marshals are given the authority to disqualify you if they determine if you are associated with a bike, unregistered runner, or car on the course.

+ Are there hotels close to the start/finish?

A: Traverse City is a major Midwest tourist destination with many hotels and motels in all price ranges. Many are within a short distance to the start/finish. For assistance in finding suitable accommodations, we suggest that you contact the Traverse City Visitors and Convention Bureau. Here is a link to their website.

+ Where does the money raised at Bayshore go?

A: Bayshore is the largest event put on by Traverse City Track Club. Money raised is used to sponsor running and health-related activities throughout the greater Grand Traverse Area. Click here for more information.

+ What’s the buzz about Bayshore?

A: Bayshore has become a tradition for many runners throughout the Midwest and beyond. And for good reason. Go to marathonguide.com and read for yourself what past participants have said about Bayshore.

+ Can I run the 1.2 mile fun run with my child?

A: Unless pre-arranged based upon special needs, the course is for kids only.

+ Do Runners in the Kids Marathon need to wear the event shirt they receive at the Packet Pick-up Runner Expo?

A: Yes, this is preferred and also helps identify our young participants. Please allow time for changing if necessary.

+ I have more questions.

A: Great! Just contact us here. We are an all-volunteer organization but we do our best to answer your question within a week of receiving it. If you have questions during the seven-day period prior to Bayshore, we can take care of things at Packet Pick-up.